A retired Army major who felt he had nothing to live for and was ‘terrified’ of one day ending up institutionalised in a hospital or care home took his own life.

When John Stuart’s body was discovered at his home in Exeter on August 1, 2017, a police officer described it as the most meticulous suicide he had ever attended.

An inquest at Exeter’s County Hall today heard the 81-year-old had spoken of plans to end his life with his GP in the eight months before his death, and had received two assessments which both concluded he was not suffering from a mental health illness.

John Stuart, who lived in Regent Street, Exeter, was found dead at his home

The cause of his death was confirmed as asphyxia caused by suffocation.

John Stone, who had known Mr Stuart for around 40 years, told in a statement how his friend had been a helicopter pilot and a major in the Royal Irish regiment.

He described him as having been ‘very intelligent’ and had been selling his personal possessions over the past two years.

He recalled conversations where Mr Stuart had said he was happy to grow old but didn’t want his health to deteriorate and had spoken of suicidal thoughts.

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When he arrived and didn’t get a response and continued not to be able to reach him on the phone he called the police the following day.

Police confirmed Mr Stuart was found sitting in an armchair in his lounge next to notes which gave detailed instructions.

The inquest heard the only family Mr Stuart had was a half-brother who lived in Africa.

Coroner John Tomalin recorded a conclusion of suicide.

He said: “Mr Stuart had been quite clear with plans advised to his GP and friends was he making plans to end his life. His GP had assessed him as someone who was competent to make decisions about his wellbeing.”

He added: "The circumstances inevitably lead me to a conclusion of suicide.”

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